Milton Keynes dog owners be warned as deadly Alabama Rot emerges in Bucks

Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), better known as Alabama Rot, has reached Buckinghamshire.

Five more cases of the potentially deadly disease have been confirmed in England taking the number of cases this year to 17.

The case in Buckinghamshire was identified in the Longwick area by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists.

The disease was first discovered in the UK in 2012, it affects the kidneys and has a 90% mortality rate.

Other confirmed cases were in Wimbledon and Richmond in Greater London, and Reading and Berkshire.

In total, there has been 268 cases of this fatal disease in the country since it first arrived on these shores nine years ago.

David Walker who leads the team at Anderson Moores said: "Unfortunately, we have to confirm another five cases of CRGV, taking the 2021 total to 17

cases.

"Sadly, we find ourselves at the time of year when cases are most commonly identified. It is understandably a worrying time for dog owners with regard to CRGV; however, the disease remains rare.

“The disease seems to appear across many counties at this time of year. January and February are typically our highest case number months and, sadly, this year is no different. We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

"If a dog becomes affected by CRGV, the best chance of recovery probably lies with early and intensive veterinary care which may be best provided at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores. Treatment primarily revolves around intensive management of the acute kidney injury and is sadly only successful in around 10% of cases."